Longtime BG "Blue Shirt" Tom Kritzler Has Died

It is with great sorrow that we must inform you of the passing of Tom Kritzler, 78, on January 3. Mr. Kritzler was a longtime member of the Northwest Ohio Tractor Pullers Association, promoters of the National Tractor Pulling Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio.

A retiree from Rockwell International Corporation in Kenton, Mr. Kritzler was a lifelong farmer and a township trustee for many years. In addition to his service to pulling as a "Blue Shirt" since 1983, Mr. Kritzler was a member of the Hardin County Tractor Pullers Association, a director of the Hardin County Fair, and an advisor of the Cessna Township Minutemen 4-H Club.

He is survived by daughters Jennifer (Jack) Overholt, Jill (Jim) Pucci, and Joenee (Brian) Purcell; a sister, Madelyn (Steve) Lowery; nine grandchildren: Ashley, Derrick, Katie Overholt, Reagan, Madison, Matt, Thomas Pucci, Griffin, Gannon Purcell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Kritzler's full obituary may be found here, where messages of condolence may be left for his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hardin County Fair Board or the Hardin County Tractor Pullers Association.

The WPI/NTPA family asks for your prayers for the Kritzler family and the NWOTPA in their time of mourning.